Boeing's CEO got grilled by Congress, and this could just be the start

Families of people who died on Boeing jets are renewing their calls for criminal prosecution of the company after Boeing’s CEO appeared before Congress this week.

The families are asking the Justice Department to fine Boeing the maximum – 24 billion dollars – for the dual 737 Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. 

The letter to the DOJ comes the day after Boeing’s David Calhoun testified before on a series of safety lapses and whistleblower complaints at the company. 

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing was the first time Calhoun had faced lawmakers since the door plug of a MAX 9 ripped off an Alaska Airlines plane back in January.

Members of congress have already heard from a bevy of whistleblowers, as well aviation and engineering safety experts testifying on what’s gone wrong at the company.

Tuesday’s hearing was a rare instance of bipartisan agreement on the Hill:  Calhoun faced the heat from Democrat and Republican lawmakers.

Guest:

• Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory